Malibu Maxx - bigger better Vibe?

Yoda · Post by **Yoda** » Wed May 07, 2003 6:50 am

After looking at the following pictures of an upcoming Malibu: http://www.speedycars.net/wallpaper/che ... alibu.html and reading about some of the features : http://caranddriver.com/article.asp?sec ... e_number=1 http://www.autoweek.com/search/search_d ... 5&record=1 I noticed that a lot of the "complaints" people came up with in the forum "what would you have GM change on future vibes?" might be addressed here : wimpy horn, wierd door locks and lights, 12V outlets on IGN circuit, V6 engine, Leather/Heated Seats, XM, Onstar, heck there's even a DVD Player.I already know this is comparing apples to oranges and there's no mention of how much this will all cost, but my question is - would you think about switching from a Vibe to a Maxx (and why or why not). I think there was an SS version shown at NY, but that's probably just a teaser... Also feel free to add poll choices or comments.

pmh013 · Post by **pmh013** » Wed May 07, 2003 8:00 am

I voted "no" because I made the following assumptions:Maxx will be higher priced than Vibe (yes, I know it has more options, but they aren't ones I'm necessarily interested in, so they've priced the car out of my range.)Maxx will not get better or equal fuel economy as Vibe with a 200 hp V6.I also don't like the look of it ... too sedan-ish. I like the sport-utility look of the Vibe (which is why I picked it over the Matrix -- too ricer-ish).

millster · Post by **millster** » Wed May 07, 2003 8:05 am

I say no because it's just too plain looking. I bought the Vibe because it offered family car utility without looking like a family car. Along those same lines, I don't care for the GM parts-bin look of the interior. The Vibe has some style. The Malibu Maxx looks just like any other sedan. I see it as a great alternative for those people who think the Vibe is just a bit too funky. Personally I'll stick with my Vibe.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed May 07, 2003 10:49 am

I saw it at the NY Auto Show...and while it may borrow some of the more popular features of the vibe, I can't say it is in any way comparable to it. IMHO anyway.

Yoda · Post by **Yoda** » Wed May 07, 2003 11:59 am

Well, I was assuming that GT owners would not like the Maxx - the articles didn't really say, but I'd be shocked if GM actually offered a manual transmission. What I am surprised by is how everyone sees the vibe as a "sport utility" - and like it for that. With all the people ripping off their roof racks, I wouldn't have thought that was an appealing aspect. Any non-owners with an opinion?

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed May 07, 2003 1:48 pm

Here's my two cents: Personally, I only removed the roof-rack to ease in the removal of snow. I already put it back on for the coming summer season.I'm a Vibe auto owner, and I don't dislike the Maxx...but I don't love it either. Personally, the only Chevy that ever midly appealed to me was the Cavalier, and I got the same car in a Sunfire, so...And I don't consider the Vibe a sport utility by any sense. I consider it a tall crossover. I would never drive an SUV. But I drive a Vibe.And that, my friends, is my take on the issues.

Good Vibe Rations · Post by **Good Vibe Rations** » Wed May 07, 2003 1:53 pm

No way the styling is much better on the Vibe i like the Agressive front end on the Vibe and also the rear with the big visible tail lights and even compared to the Toyota Matrix the Vibe is a Much Better looking car and as for utility we love the Vibe it is amazing what you can carry in it if you don't believe me check out my post under Good Vibe Rations

rubberman · Post by **rubberman** » Wed May 07, 2003 9:26 pm

The Max and normal Malibu is nice but as normal GM as no manual tranny offered a 5spd as a option would be nice!!!! GM must think that nobody has a left foot anymore!

NovaResource · Post by **NovaResource** » Wed May 07, 2003 10:49 pm

My only problem with it is that it's ugly. Not (removed) ugly, just not beautiful. Bland. It's not sporty looking enough like the Vibe. I love the interior, especially the hard, moveable, rear shelf. I consider this a slightly larger Vibe for those who want a toned down appearance.

KSNeptune · Post by **KSNeptune** » Thu May 08, 2003 12:50 am

No. Cargo floor doesn't fold completely flat. Looks more like a station wagon than the Vibe does. Has GM parts, not toyota parts in it. Doubt it will have the small turning radius like the Vibe does. Won't park in 13ish feet. Probably won't be available in neptune blue. KSNeptune

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Thu May 08, 2003 1:13 am

quote:GM must think that nobody has a left foot anymore! My impression has always been that Chevys, like Caddys and Buicks, are aimed towards mid to older aged consumers. The majority of that consumer bracket prefers automatic. They either don't know how to use, or don't care for, a manual transmission.Pontiacs, on the other hand, are designed for several consumer brackets. The Sunfire, Vibe, and Grand Am are for the young consumer, Grand Am, Grand Prix, Montana, and Aztek for late young to middle aged consumer, and Grand Prix, Bonneville, and Montana for older and family-bearing consumers.But that's just what I've been led to believe...

NovaResource · Post by **NovaResource** » Thu May 08, 2003 1:24 am

Actually, in the "old days" GM had an order to it's divisions. Chevrolet was the budget or "entry-level" division selling good, basic transportation for the masses. They you step up to Pontiac, the "performance division". After that came Olds for the family man then Buick for more luxury. Cadillac was always the top luxury division.Today, each division is trying to be all things to all people (remember the Cadillac Cimerron?).

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Thu May 08, 2003 2:33 am

quote:remember the Cadillac Cimmeron?can't say I do.must be before my time.

NovaResource · Post by **NovaResource** » Thu May 08, 2003 3:57 am

The Cadillac Cimerron was a Chevy Cavalier with Cadillac badges and a much higher sticker price.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Thu May 08, 2003 4:21 am

Nope, can't say I've ever seen that.

meathead333 · Post by **meathead333** » Thu May 08, 2003 1:09 pm

hell no! thats is too station wagonish. take my vibe over that any day.

macrosonic · Post by **macrosonic** » Sat May 10, 2003 11:48 am

I don't own a Vibe yet... I'm seriously thinking of getting the 2004. But I spent a lot of time reading up on the Maxx because I was hoping it would be similar to the Vibe but a bit more refined or upscale (v6 engine, remote starter, heated seats, GM horn, rear sunroof, quieter, etc.). It's also supposed to be value priced when compared to similar cars in its class.But I still think I would prefer the Vibe because of styling. The Maxx just doesn't do it for me. While it's popular now to buy the new hatchback type sport-wagons, Chevy went out of their way to make sure it did NOT look like a hatch, which seems odd to me. Also, the rear sliding seats prevent it from having the smooth flat floor bed when folded down like the Vibe.Other cars you may want to compare/contrast with the vibe are the chevy equinox and saturn vue. They're smaller than SUV's but bigger than sport wagons. The equinox will have a V6 and more options, but it won't be out for another year.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sat May 10, 2003 1:57 pm

I saw the equinox at the NY Auto Show. Looks very cool actually. Supposed to get reasonable gas mileage too...But I'd still prefer my Vibe...

Yoda · Post by **Yoda** » Tue May 13, 2003 7:40 am

Wow - not a single yes vote. Thanks for chiming in. I was not expecting any of the manual drivers out there to want the Maxx, but I was surprised at the comments about wanting a tall SUV and choosing the Vibe for styling. I thought back, and I guess that was the main reason I chose the Vibe too, so I shouldn't have been surprised.

allelejean · Post by **allelejean** » Tue May 13, 2003 11:07 pm

I think my Boyfriend discribed the Malibu best as being "car". No caplital "C" just plain car. I have also said that you could rob a bank and drive away in a Malibu and no one would notice. This is vain, but I dont think I could seriously drive something called The Maxx. It takes me back to the 80s, and not in the positive, Saturday Morning Cartoons and Big Wheel Bikes kind of way.

Big_Red · Post by **Big_Red** » Wed May 14, 2003 12:18 am

Voted no, because it doesn't appeal to me. It looks like a bigger version of the KIA Rio Wagon. But that is just my opinion.

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Sun May 18, 2003 11:13 am

quote:would you think about switching from a Vibe to a Maxx?I said no, even though I didn't follow the link to check out the other car. I've only had my Vibe for about 4 months, and I think it's a great car. It may have some things lacking, but every model does. The things I would change in a Vibe are minor. Some of the options you mentioned are things that I wouldn;t have gotten if they had been available on a Vibe, such as leather, Onstar, etc, and the fuel efficiency of the Vibe's 4 cyl engine was a reason that I picked it.The Vibe is a new model, some people have had them for a year. Probably not many Vibe owners have enough disposable income to be able to trade it in so soon for a different model. I know I don't. If another car came out that had twice the HP and double the MPG, I'd find a way to afford the switch, but for now, I'll keep my Vibe.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun May 18, 2003 11:36 pm

I think OnStar is the only thing about the Maxx that I prefer...Personally, I'm not a fan of Chevys anyway. Not sure why. *shrug*

MonotoneSatellite · Post by **MonotoneSatellite** » Wed Jun 04, 2003 6:26 am

quote:I don't own a Vibe yet... I'm seriously thinking of getting the 2004. But I spent a lot of time reading up on the Maxx because I was hoping it would be similar to the Vibe but a bit more refined or upscale (v6 engine, remote starter, heated seats, GM horn, rear sunroof, quieter, etc.). It's also supposed to be value priced when compared to similar cars in its class.But I still think I would prefer the Vibe because of styling. The Maxx just doesn't do it for me. While it's popular now to buy the new hatchback type sport-wagons, Chevy went out of their way to make sure it did NOT look like a hatch, which seems odd to me. Also, the rear sliding seats prevent it from having the smooth flat floor bed when folded down like the Vibe.Other cars you may want to compare/contrast with the vibe are the chevy equinox and saturn vue. They're smaller than SUV's but bigger than sport wagons. The equinox will have a V6 and more options, but it won't be out for another year. From what I heard, the Equinox is a retooled Saturn VUE. Although I like the look of the forth coming Chevy more than that of the Saturn.On a related note in a model year or two, the Sunfire & Cavalier will both be chasis mates with the Saturn ION.

macrosonic · Post by **macrosonic** » Wed Jun 04, 2003 10:10 am

I heard recently (could be just a rumor) that Pontiac is supposed to get a replacement for the aztek that will be based on the Vue/Equinox architecture. I'd love to see what the Pontiac styling will look like. It's probably 2 years away though at a minimum. But that ultimately would be the big brother to the Vibe instead of the Maxx or Equinox or Vue.I agree with you about the Equinox. It has nicer styling. As for the Cavalier, the replacement will supposedly be called "Cobalt".

Shadow Realm · Post by **Shadow Realm** » Thu Jun 12, 2003 3:59 am

I vote NO! The main reason for me is that the Malibu is not built primarily by Toyota. Its not unique like the Vibe. It doesn't have the character of the Vibe. It reminds me of all of the other car companies that are trying to get the hands in the pot for piece of the Vibe market. The problem with most of the companies is that there vehicles that they are bringing out look too much like a station wagon. To me the Vibe doesn't look like a station wagon but more like a sporty SUV. I like to call the Vibe a SUW. At least that's what I tell my customers when I am selling them on the Vibe.Shadow Realm

Caretaker · Post by **Caretaker** » Sun Dec 14, 2003 4:23 am

Sorry gang. Had to be the first to spoil the fun. I have had my Vibe AWD for nearly 2 years now. I traded in my 89 Corolla for "a better Corolla". While it made me nervous to buy a first run model, I knew that the Toyota in it should not let me down. Nonetheless, I was plagued by a check engine light for over a month, which nearly prompted me to ask GM for a new Vibe. GM was terrific, and in the end, Toyota technicians found the problem (loose vapor recovery hose atop the gas tank) and it has been smooth sailing ever since. Sure my Vibe (Frosty) also has the paint chips, and the pitting on the headlight covers, but it is pretty fun to drive. Nonetheless, once I heard about the Malibu Maxx, my interest really peaked. There is no doubt that my next car will be a Maxx. If the Vibe had telescoping steering and pedals, I might very well buy another one, but in addition to that, the fact that I will be getting rear seat comfort second to none (skylights and adjustable seats), a remote starter, cavernous leg room for both front passengers, and a 6 cylinder which gets the equivalent gas mileage of most manufacturer's 4 cylinders, the Maxx is hard to ignore. I paid 20k for my AWD Vibe with side airbags; I will pay no more than 2k more than that to get a Maxx with many more creature comforts. For now, I hope my 626 holds out for one more year, so others can buy the sedan and Maxx and test out the first year reliability. While I don't plan on buying an extended warranty for my Vibe, I will very likely do so for any Chevrolet. By the way: I just put on Dayton Daytona H rated tires on my Vibe. I had them on my 626, and think they are some of the greatest tires I have every owned. Happy Holidays everyone!!!

Caretaker · Post by **Caretaker** » Sun Dec 14, 2003 4:53 am

thanks AWD meister! Having looked at all the Subarus, I think and still think the Vibe AWD is the best value for the money. The Maxx however, will not have AWD, but standard traction control.

Vibe Rater · Post by **Vibe Rater** » Sun Dec 14, 2003 9:37 am

I've been very busy lately building and testing the new Equinox. I work at the plant where they are built. We start full production in February and right now we're building a few hundred saleable vehicles. I have to say it is an excellent vehicle. The quality level is ahead of schedule for a new model and everything is in place for a successful launch. It is powered by a fine 3.4 L V6 engine that provides oodles of torque and pep. Available with OnStar, Satellite radio, MP3 CD player, AWD, traction control, leather, rear set folds flat, unique cargo area. It is a complete package and the price is right in the sweet sopt. Canadian pricing has been released and they start at around $27,000 Canadian up to about $34,000 Canadian fully loaded. 6 or 7 days a week for us, 3 shifts. Should be on the dealer lots in March as a 2005 model.

Reynoma · Post by **Reynoma** » Sun Dec 14, 2003 9:49 pm

NO, NO, NO.For one simple reason....no manual transmission!

Merzbow · Post by **Merzbow** » Mon Dec 15, 2003 12:37 am

Never, even if i could ge (removed) for free. It looks ugly and heavy.

SGT · Post by **SGT** » Mon Dec 15, 2003 2:53 am

I have not seen the MAXX in person but we have a regular Malibu sitting in our parking lot here. That thing is incredibly ugly if you ask me. It is so slab sided and boring looking it is pitiful. Maybe the MAXX is better looking, but I doubt it. I drove Chevy's in the 80s when I had my Z28 and Iroc-Z but lately the styling on most Chevys leaves a lot to be desired. A lady I work with, who is middle aged, saw that new Malibu here and said it is an old man's car, it that tells you anything.

macrosonic · Post by **macrosonic** » Thu Dec 18, 2003 1:35 pm

get what for free?!? LOL

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Thu Dec 18, 2003 1:47 pm

Yeah it's pretty wretched looking, I saw it at the NY Auto Show last year.

fuel4soul · Post by **fuel4soul** » Thu Jan 15, 2004 9:05 am

I don't see what the big deal about the Malibu Maxx is, Personally I think it's ugly and would never look at one. I like the regular sedans better. Just my 2 cents...

Caretaker · Post by **Caretaker** » Mon Jan 19, 2004 5:40 am

I'm happy for everyone who won't purchase a Maxx. There are a ton of folks slamming the car on the Edmunds page. I love them all. What they are doing (since GM reads the Edmunds chat page) is help drive the size of my rebate up. I think the Maxx is the most functional and best value on the market right now. Ugly: well, if a boxy design to maximize cargo, head and leg room is ugly, it is the prettiest ugly I have ever seen. I can't wait to start my car from inside my home, with 6 cylinder power for 4 cylinder gas mileage. I know my child can't wait to look out through the rear seat moon roof as she waits for her favorite DVD to begin . Thanks to all who make my rebate larger.

Craigmri · Post by **Craigmri** » Mon Jan 19, 2004 5:57 am

That thing is just another GM car that in 10 years people will say..."What were they thinking?".Some designs stand the test of time...I.E. Corvette, Miata, Mustang.....Some dont...I.E....Chevette, Citation, Fairmont.

drunkenmaxx · Post by **drunkenmaxx** » Mon Jan 19, 2004 10:17 pm

huh huh, he said citation... what a car.i have seen one commercial for the max, i didn't get a good view, but it looked kind of like a volvo type with the squareness.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Thu Jan 22, 2004 1:45 am

"Hello, GM... I'll take an order of your $24,000 pseudo-wagon, heavy on the cheap interior plastics and obnoxious fabric patterns, please." Thank you, drive through. That's just MHO, of course. Your mileage may vary. Keep trying, GM.BTW, speaking of Citation... anyone remember the CITATION X11? VROOOOOOOOOM!

SGT · Post by **SGT** » Thu Jan 22, 2004 2:05 am

I remember the Citation (and all the other X Cars very well) What was the Pontiac version called again, oh yeah! The Pheonix. Unfortunately that car never rose from the ashes.. LOL! Does anyone remember the hatchback Corsica or the "fastback" Monte Carlo SS from the early 90s. Now those were some more "what the heck were they thinking" kinds of cars. LOL!

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Thu Jan 22, 2004 9:12 am

Oh yeah! Corsica hatchback! That lasted about two years or so didn't it? I remember that Monte SS "Aerocoupe" as well... And how 'bout that turbocharged Dodge Omni!Just saw the Maxx commercial... "If we could get everyone in America to drive the new Malibu Maxx..."

SGT · Post by **SGT** » Thu Jan 22, 2004 10:16 am

Ah yes, the Omni GLH, wasn't it called. Goes Like Hell or something like that.

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 2:50 am

http://www.miami.com/mld/miami...3.htmQuote Â»The Malibu Maxx won't turn many heads, but careful shoppers in the market for mid-size models might find enough clever ideas here to add it to their check-it-out lists.

Caretaker · Post by **Caretaker** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 3:44 am

I must say that the article was one of the most poorly written pieces by an "automotive professional" that I have seen. First, the moveable rear seats are not for adults; they are for mothers with small children, who can more easily attend to a back seated child/infant when the seat is pulled all the way up. This car was voted the best for pregnant women due to its easy to enter doors and telescoping pedals and steering. Secondly, the rear moon roof: this winey author sounds like they want it to open to the fresh air. Bad idea for a car with kids. The author overlooks a lot of this car's features and then attempts to pan it for having some of them without thinking that this is a CHEVROLET, and sold at CHEVROLET prices. You tell me what other car you can get a remote starter, heated seats, 6 cylinder power at 4 cylinder gas mileage, the versatility of a mini van, and the leg room both front and back of a Lincoln?? Ugly: I'll agree to that, but if you think boxy is ugly, I say it is versatile. I think this author is a few brain cells short of being stupid; but alas, it is because of this author that I will pick up an excellent car some day because people take articles like this to heart, without ever trying the car for themselves. I'll be laughing all the way to the bank. I'll simply have my fingers crossed and my extended warranty purchased just in case the quality turns out to be 80's GM.

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 4:03 am

I thought that would spin you up If I really wanted to get you, I would have quoted the part where he said Quote Â»It looks so plain that it's hard to imagine owners having much of that new-car-pride that usually lasts a few months after purchase.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 4:05 am

it's def versatile for sure... but extremely ugly. i couldn't get passed that unfortunately. but i'm told i'm shallow... especially when it comes to cars!

JayC · Post by **JayC** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 4:18 am

One word.UGLY!!!

Caretaker · Post by **Caretaker** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 4:40 am

One Word: rebates. Keep those negative vibes (no pun intended) coming. I'll have to share all my savings from the mediocre sales as a thank you for keeping the demand down

scherry2 · Post by **scherry2** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 6:05 am

Quote, originally posted by maxx4me Â»One Word: rebates. Keep those negative vibes (no pun intended) coming. I'll have to share all my savings from the mediocre sales as a thank you for keeping the demand down LOL! I like the way you think.

kriswinner · Post by **kriswinner** » Sat Mar 27, 2004 2:35 pm

SS version of the Maxx ought to be interesting in another year or two.Supposedly nearly 250hp, maybe AWD.Oh, and BTW - the Citation... a beautiful car. My first car was a '82 Citation (known as "the Blister"). Had a four-speed manual transmission, of which 1, 3, and 4 worked.Something like Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, weeee, weeee.